Experienced Social Worker

Experienced Social Worker

Oldham Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
O

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team supporting individuals with severe mental health conditions through assessments and care plans.
  • Company: Oldham Council is dedicated to creating vibrant, safe neighbourhoods for healthier, happier lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, discounted gym memberships, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; inclusive recruitment practices ensure everyone has a fair chance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your professional skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: BA Hons in Social Work or equivalent, with experience in assessments and care planning.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

Overview

Oldham is a wonderful place of diversity, where people of all cultures come together. This is one of our greatest strengths and our social workers enjoy using a breadth of skills and gaining a variety of experiences whilst supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds. We use systemic practice as our chosen practice model, focusing on building relationships with children and families, understanding the context and family dynamics, and reflectively learning together. We have launched systemic reflective hubs and our Social Work Academy continues to offer reflective supervision and tailored support through an innovative 2-year ASYE programme. We have a strong ethos of \”Growing our own\”, providing a great environment to excel in your social work career. In Oldham, we are committed to delivering high-quality services for children and families.

Our promises to you include a manageable and diverse caseload, ongoing professional development, opportunities to progress within Social Work, regular supervision and reflective learning, and dedicated support to help you meet your career aspirations.

Responsibilities

  • Undertake high-quality assessments, including Section 17 (Child in Need) and Section 47 (Child Protection) investigations.
  • Develop and implement robust Child in Need plans to address identified risks and needs.
  • Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide a coordinated and effective response.
  • Use a strength-based approach to build trusting relationships with children and families.
  • Manage a diverse caseload, ensuring all work complies with statutory requirements and safeguarding protocols.
  • Provide timely and evidence-based reports for planning and review meetings.
  • Lead on court proceedings within Safeguarding and Care Planning where applicable, ensuring the safety and well-being of children.

Team Context

We have teams including Assessment and Intervention Team (Front Door services) and Safeguarding and Care Planning Team. You will be the first point of contact for statutory support, undertake comprehensive assessments, address immediate risks, and create CIN plans that prioritise safety, stability, and positive outcomes for children. You will work directly with families during times of crisis, providing timely intervention and support to identify needs, manage risks, and enable safer home environments.

What we need from you

  • All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We do not accept applications requiring sponsorship.
  • Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with the ability to secure good outcomes in a supportive environment.
  • If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) programme, please indicate this in your application.

Benefits and Rewards

  • Competitive pay with a £2,000 retention payment.
  • Hybrid working and flexible diary management for better work/life balance.
  • Free town centre parking and essential car user allowance with mileage at 45p per mile.
  • Reimbursement of Social Work England registration fees (£90/year).
  • 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase additional days, increasing with service length.
  • Attractive defined benefit pension with AVC option; former benefits including discounted gym membership and staff discounts across various services.
  • Salary sacrifice schemes (including Cycle to Work) and wellbeing support, including an Employment Assistance Programme.
  • Staff recognition and celebration events and access to peer support groups.

About Oldham

Our employees say that Oldham values a family-like, participative, and inclusive culture. We emphasise resident-focused work, supporting local leadership, delivering high performance, and taking ownership to drive change. You can learn more about our values on the greater.jobs Oldham page.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Experienced Social Worker employer: Oldham Council

Oldham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, pension schemes, and wellbeing support, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located at Forest House within the Royal Oldham Hospital, you will be part of a dedicated team focused on enhancing the lives of older individuals with mental health challenges, all while embodying our core values of being Proud, Ambitious, and Together.
O

Contact Detail:

Oldham Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Experienced Social Worker

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the key legislation relevant to the role, such as the Care Act and Mental Health Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to best practices in social work.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Oldham Council or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview.

Tip Number 3

Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to handle complex cases and collaborate with multi-agency partners. This will highlight your practical skills and readiness for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Tip Number 4

Research Oldham Council's values and behaviours, particularly their focus on being 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together'. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as cultural fit is often a key consideration in the hiring process.

We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Social Worker

Knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act
Experience in conducting sensitive assessments
Ability to develop and implement Care & Support Plans
Strong analytical skills
Excellent report-writing skills
Understanding of safeguarding procedures
Experience in risk assessment and management
Ability to work collaboratively with multi-agency partners
Proficiency in case management systems (e.g., MOSAIC)
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Commitment to professional development
Empathy and understanding of mental health issues
Ability to advocate for service users
Problem-solving skills
Attention to detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social work, particularly with older people and mental health. Emphasise your skills in conducting assessments and developing Care & Support Plans.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for social work and your understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to fulfil the role.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your BA Hons degree in Social Work or equivalent. If you have completed a Social Work Apprenticeship, make sure to mention it as well.

Showcase Your Values: Align your application with the values of Oldham Council. Use phrases like 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together' to show that you share their commitment to community and high performance.

How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council

Understand the Legislation

Familiarise yourself with key legislation such as the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and Mental Capacity Act. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your practice and how you would apply them in real-life scenarios.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to conduct assessments, develop Care & Support Plans, and manage a caseload. Highlight any experiences where you've empowered service users and promoted their independence.

Emphasise Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with other professionals. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and advocated for service users in a team setting.

Align with Their Values

Research Oldham Council's core values: Proud, Ambitious, and Together. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview, showcasing your commitment to their mission.

Experienced Social Worker
Oldham Council
Location: Oldham
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>